Access for the disabled in the hospitality industry has been given a boost with the launch recent launch of the Universal Accessibility Grading Scheme by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).
Universal Accessibility Grading Scheme
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In line with the principles of South Africa’s Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Universal Accessibility Grading Scheme aims to encourage the hospitality sector to address the challenges faced by all disabled persons.
The concept of Universal Access has not always been fully understood, but with TGCSA’s new grading scheme members of the industry can now comply with international requirements to accommodate those who are mobility, vision or communications impaired.
A First for Africa
South Africa is the first country in Africa to introduce disability grading for the tourism industry. And tourism is the first industry in South Africa to put together a formal scheme to address the issue of accessibility for all.
Now hospitality providers have clear guidelines and an international standard for providing access for the disabled. It has considerable significance for the tourism industry as compliance with the Grading Scheme will enable hospitality providers to tap into a whole new market.
Ratings
Guidelines on factors such as slip-resistant surfaces, size of door openings, lettering on signage, flashing lights on phones and voice amplification are now available. Depending on compliance, hospitality establishments can achieve ratings on 4 levels from Bronze to Platinum.
Also on the cards from TGCSA is a Disability Sensitivity Training Programme for front-line hospitality staff.
South Africa Truly Cares
South African Tourism Board member, Amor Malan, who herself suffers a disability, has welcomed the Universal Accessibility Grading Scheme and says that TGCSA should be congratulated for its proactive support for the disabled. She says that this is also a very positive development for the marketing of South Africa as a country that truly cares about all tourists.
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